Where is Portezuelo de Chapiquiña?
Chile, south-america
47.1 km
4,453 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Portezuelo de Chapiquiña! This high-altitude pass in Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region is a stunner, clocking in at a whopping 14,609 feet above sea level within the gorgeous Parque Nacional Lauca.
The main road stretches for about 29 miles. But for the truly adventurous, a gravel side road beckons westward, climbing even higher to 15,616 feet! Expect some steep sections on that spur. And once you're at the top, you'll be greeted by plenty of *apachetas* – those cool rock piles left by travelers. Be warned though, it's one of the highest roads around, so the air is thin! Keep your eyes peeled for incredible views, but also be mindful of the unpaved sections and potential hazards.
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 47.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,453 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in south-america
moderateThe unpaved road to El Aguilar, one of the highest towns in the world
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've just discovered a seriously mind-blowing road in the Jujuy Province of Argentina. We're talking about El Aguilar, one of the highest towns you can actually DRIVE to on this planet! Imagine this: you're cruising along EXRN40 (or Ex Ruta Nacional 40 as the locals call it), a 45.4 km (28.21 miles) unpaved path starting from Tres Cruces, snaking its way up to a staggering 4,895m (16,060ft) above sea level. Yeah, you heard me right! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road isn't paved, so keep your eyes peeled for rough patches! But trust me, the views are absolutely worth it. You're surrounded by the rugged beauty of northern Argentina, practically on the doorstep of Bolivia. The town itself is supported by the mine nearby and is home to about 3,655 hardy souls. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, this high-altitude journey is calling your name!
easyHow to drive the cracked road to Abra Negro Bueno in the central highlands?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Negro Bueno! This high-altitude Peruvian pass punches you right into the heart of the Andes at a whopping 4,648m (15,249ft). You'll find it east of Lima, straddling the Junín and Lima regions. Think seriously mountainous, seriously stunning Peru. The road (part of Carretera 24), connecting Huancayo to Tinco for 118km (73 miles), is paved, but let's be real – it's a bumpy ride! Expect cracks, potholes, and hairpin turns galore. Seriously, skip it at night. Those potholes are suspension-eaters and tire-poppers. But hey, the views! You'll crest several seriously elevated passes, so get ready for a challenging but unforgettable drive.
moderateRuta 3 Tierra del Fuego is the southernmost paved road on Earth
🇦🇷 Argentina
Get ready for an epic adventure on Ruta 3 in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina! This 395km (245 mile) stretch is rumored to be the southernmost paved road on the planet, so you can brag about that later. Starting near Cabo Espíritu Santo on the Chilean border, Ruta 3, aka Argentina's National Route 3, winds its way to Ushuaia, the "End of the World" town. But the journey doesn't stop there! Push on into Tierra del Fuego National Park, ending at Bahía Lapataia where a sign proudly declares "you've reached the end!" The road through the park starts a little rough and narrow but mellows out into smooth pavement. Just watch out – some patches can be a bit bumpy due to maintenance issues and the big rigs hauling heavy machinery. Heads up for the remote vibes: keep your gas tank topped off, because gas stations can be few and far between (especially the functional ones). Expect border police checks – keep your documents handy! This is a long haul, so schedule plenty of breaks. Booking ahead is crucial, especially during summer. Ruta 3 is the only road to the island, and they keep it clear of snow year-round. But trust me, avoid April to September if you can, unless you like road closures and crazy weather. Always double-check road conditions before you go, and watch out for those Patagonian winds – you can use passing trucks as temporary wind shields!
extremePunta Cauchari
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ruta Provincial 27 in Salta Province, Argentina, is calling your name. This isn't just any drive; it's a proper high-altitude expedition hitting a staggering 4,047 meters (13,277 feet) inside Los Flamencos National Reserve. Think gravel, rocks, and a generally bumpy ride that will keep you on your toes. This road is a shapeshifter, with conditions changing all the time, and winter likes to hang around. Summer's your best bet to tackle it, and you'll definitely want a 4x4. The Andes Mountains aren't messing around. Expect crazy winds and rapid weather changes – even summer can bring snow. Speaking of which, temperatures plummet in winter. This place can be treacherous, with ice and snow lurking even in the warmer months, so tread carefully. Oh, and a word of caution: this altitude isn't for the faint of heart. If you've got respiratory issues or heart problems, maybe sit this one out. Babies under 4 months should definitely stay home. The air is thin, like 40% less oxygen than you're used to, which makes breathing a chore, and your engine might struggle too. Altitude sickness is a real threat, so be aware of the symptoms and take it slow. Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible!